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 Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 10:01 pm
First Ezriel. . .oh how long ago that seemed!
Then that horrible, horrible mutant-creature that had been out to kill her!
No, there was good reason the mare refused to wander far from the protection of her family. One bad experience seemed to follow another - the once happy go-lucky mare had been transformed in to a cautious, somewhat nervous and uncertain individual. She had fallen in to a sickeningly deep post-partum depression after her unexpected and unplanned pregnancy. Things had only gotten worst after Ezriel disappeared with her son followed far too quickly by her daughters rejection. As soon as Cassiel had been large enough to live on her own she had all but disappeared from her life. . .. And the final time she'd seen her daughter she had been fully dismissed and rejected.
Things hadn't been good in Eponine's life; her once young and naive dream of a fairy tale ending had been swiftly shattered in to something short of a nightmare. Regret had touched her life and only too late did she realize that what she regretted most was not seeing the blessings placed before her when she had them. . .
Though Ezriel had left she could have better sought him out instead of allowing herself to wallow in depression and grief. Though Cassiel hadn't been planned and had been difficult to rear she should have never shown her her pain and hurt. . . .
Yes, Eponine accepted the fact she had been a horrendous mother but what was done was done. Her choices hadn't been wise as a young mare and it had lead to a series of trials she hadn't been prepared for. As it was, the young mare stayed close to her fathers side and rarely went farther than the river.
There would be no more adventuring for Eponine. There was a seemingly permanant halt to dreaming and she lived her life as quietly and remotely as possible. The stuttering mare had no friends and rarely saw much of her brothers and sisters. . . . Yes, she had her father, Twilight, but one could only be a Daddy's girl for so long. Even he had a mate and other children to attend.
Today the pale blue mare was walking towards the stream. Autumn had transformed a land of plenty in to a barren world; the grasses of the plains had turned grey and died. . . the flowers had disappeared and even the leaves that graced the trees had been torn bare. Cold winds tangled her long, white hair and it wouldn't be long until snow pained the land white.
Something told her it was going to be a rough winter.
Heaving a small sigh, Eponine didn't dare drift in to daydreams. Twilight wasn't near and she felt ridiculously exposed and vulnerable. Maybe she should turn back. . . . Just in case something went horribly wrong.
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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 11:40 pm
From being run out of Heaven along with his brothers, Raiju had long been not only trying to put their families lives back together as best he could as well as keeping tabs on a certain mare. It may have seemed strange that he would in such a time be watching over a single mare but, truth be told, he had been doing such a thing ever since he had remembered. Some had said that Angeni's were the ones who often watched over those below, making sure that they abided in safety while others argued that Angeni's simply couldn't care less about those below and simply cared about those who could fly the same height as they. Though for one such as Raiju it was hard to explain himself or make a claim that he was an Angeni because of the peculiar, serpent-like tail and spade that adorned his body but other than that he was pretty normal although saying that he was 'normal' was probably an overstatement.
Like his brothers, Raiju was cursed though out of the three of them he had been affected the least. His younger brother, Kidono, was stripped of his lower wings and thrust from out of Heaven as without his second wings he could never fly as high as he once could and was sentenced to live in the world below the clouds. Though from what he had heard was that Kidono had found a loving mate and already was the father of two children and such news only brought happiness to him knowing that his brother had a family of his own. Perhaps that streak of distrust and timid nature would finally wear off- Raiju certainly hoped so. Kidono was much more fun when he was happy. The middle brother, Duzi, was not only cursed but transformed into a monster for it was he who fought against the Gods decision and tried to persuade them that they had made a false accusation against his brother. In doing so, the stallion was attacked; legs gashed so that Duzi would fall and succumb to the Gods, chains wrapping around his body while his overall appearance became something of a fiery demon, smokey and shadow-like. With glory stripped and left battered and bruised, he, like his brothers, was thrust out of Heaven never to return. The road the three brothers had traveled certainly wasn't an easy one yet from it all they were stronger, more knowledgeable and had honed their skills in reading into others. While their tempers and personalities were distinctly different one from another their was a sense of unity and devotion for one another.
One would probably question his devotion as instead of seeking his brothers the stallion was curiously watching the pale blue mare from a comfortable distance but, at the same time, he had long ago made a solemn promise that one day he would find her. Although didn't it seem strange that he had made a promise to find her? Certainly this could only raise questions as to how he knew her and to this strange sense of protection that he carried for a mare that he had never personally met before yet the answer was far more complex and, at the same time, simple than one would expect. This could also raise questions about why he hadn't stopped the many hardships the mare endured and was forced to experience and that in itself was yet another series of complicated and, once again, simple explanations that could resolve the pending question.
It certainly would be a mess, wouldn't it? Raiju didn't think it was. Instead the stallion only let a warm smile trail across his maw while his wings gently tucked at his sides. It wasn't a mess at all! Yes, it would be a little confusing and much information for anyone to chew on at first but, well- he hoped that he would be able to convey this greath plethora of information easily without scaring her off, well, that was if he got the chance.
Lengths away from the stream, the rather large stallion slowly trailed out from behind the thick brush and began to casually stroll towards the stream where the mare stood. His strange ridgeback of mane wisped gently as the wind slid through its tapered edges and seemed to be attempting to tip the crown from off of his head though all Raiju could do was to keep smiling in a warm manner. Even with each step his feathered feet seemed to carry him in such a light manner that one would almost swear that he was simply gliding as, secretly, his heat was swelling. From being a simple onlooker from within the clouds to now being here within her 'world' it was strange yet exciting at the same time.
As the brisk breeze wisped across his cheeks and down to his flank, Raiju casually flicked his tail behind him while the necklaces around his neck clinked with a shrill echo. He intook a deep breath while his glowing, blue eyes settled upon her form softly.
"Beautiful day, isn't it?" He called out, his voice filled with warmth, holding a depth to it that was pleasent and soothing although one couldn't help feel as if there was some mystery to it as well. "Looks like winters holding off a bit and certainly that can bring about good fortunes for anyone." Encroaching closer, the stallion mused as the goatee around his chin and maw seemed to be caught by the passing breeze. Raiju smiled.
"And yet even if a bitter winters soon to come I believe that there is always something that can chase the pain away no matter how deep it may penetrate."
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 12:29 pm
Oh gods. . . . Eponine's ears flew forward and her body tensed as Raiju stepped in to view. Why was she always confronted by the strange ones? Her blue gaze widened slightly in concern, torn by an uncertainty of fleeing or continuing on her way. She really hadn't anywhere to go, but the brown maned winged one needn't know. . .
Not all of her encounters had ended poorly, logic forced herself to remember. Hadn't as a filly and as an adult she met a kind and gentle unicorn? River? That was his name. . . . Ezriel was both a blessing and a curse; a small part of her wondered what her life might have been like had she rejected the broken ones advances, and yet, if that were the case, she wouldn't have had two beautiful foals. . . .Sure, she didn't know Rue, but that didn't make her any less his mother. It had brought her closer to her father and family as a whole. . . . Yes, not everything about Ezriel caused her pain.
But then again, there was that one beast; that kalona creature with the glowing chest, with the snarling teeth. He had tried to hurt her, had caused her fear and had run her out. . . . And now a white and brown maned stallion crossed her paths.
Why? Why wouldn't the spirits leave her alone and allow her to meet normal folk? Why did she have to discover those that were as far from normal as night was day?
Eponine hesitated, uncertain of what to do. Her fear was apparent, her timid nature obvious, and her submission present as she lowered her head. She used her long, white mane as a shield to temporarily hide away from the gaze of the wind and fully avert her gaze. Oh, she was a fragile spirit, and it was very well and good that Raiju had no intentions to harm her. Any other creature might very well attempt to take advantage of their superior dominance.
"Beautiful day, isn't it?"
Oh gods, to make matters worse he was talking to her. A glance around proved she was indeed the only other in attendance and that pushed aside any hope of a swift retreat. Though she feared his judgment and his intentions, she also had been born and raised to be anything but polite. She couldn't rightly turn around and leave him especially if all he wanted was a friendly conversation. . .
Oh gods, did she dare speak? What if he laughed at her stutter? Well, that would give her proper reason to turn away and dismiss herself from his presence. But, logic once again argued, if she dismissed herself he might turn on her and he was ever so much stronger than she with his muscle and wings. . . .
But now she was being rude and insulting by not answering! For pete's sake, just say something!
"Th-th-th-the weather has b-b-b-een k-kind to us this aut-t-tumn," she spoke, though there was a good chance the stallion might not catch her words. She spoke towards the ground and kept her voice hardly above a whisper. A flash of white caught her gaze and she glanced up once again, brows knitting slightly as he slowly approached.
His voice was soft, full of warmth that the autumn often lacked. A better look at the stallion proved he was indeed a bit . . . odd. The tail behind him was spaded and reminded her of Ezriels sans the spikes. His mane was unique in that it ran fully down his back and formed a sort of wreath around his maw. Lastly there were his eyes, such a sharp shade of blue they literally glowed. . . . The smile he wore was as gentle as the dawn and Eponine found herself doubting that his intentions were bad.
But. . . .one should always be safe. Shifting her weight upon her hooves, she casually took a small step back, trying not to look rude but too uncomfortable to let him get too close. Eponine wasn't taking any chances today. . . .
"Th-th-there's always hope f-f-f-for spring," she added softly, unsure of where the stallions conversation was headed. Talk of the weather was all well and good but perhaps she should go back to Twilights side. It was getting late. . . and she didn't want to be out in the dark with the pale figure so near.
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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 10:16 pm
As it seemed there was a silent and inner debate ongoing within the mare, Raiju stood there with an ever present warm smile stretched across his maw while the wings upon his back and those upon his tail nestled snug against his body. It would appear that he was a bit rusty in conversation- blagging on about the weather rather than introducing himself yet, at the same time, it would be quite strange to introduce himself and also make note that he knew exactly who she was and needed not to introduce himself to her. Oh yes, now wouldn't that be thrilling? Amongst all that he recalled the mare having endured it wasn't much of a surprise to see that timid nature mask her thoughts as the rather large in stature mutant spoke to her and just as vividly as he twinge of fear that he could see cross her face, Raiju was begining to read that she was suddenly filled with an assortments of thoughts which crossed her mind and seemed to patiently wait what the outcome would lead to.
Although sure enough she spoke and her words that trailed fainter than a whisper while her voice and eyes cast down toward the ground seemed to not thwart the stallions attempt in listening. He nodded with a soft chuckle as he unfurled his wings slightly. "Indeed. All the better to look forward to a rather intresting winter- it would seem that it may have an assortment of tricks up its sleeve but at least we've enjoyed what we could of the warmer weather."
His peculiar tail behind him swayed in the most non-chalant manner while pools of eerie blue leveled upon the mare with a delicate manner as if being careful not to frighten or stir a crack witin such a fragile object. From what he could remember from watching her she was certainly a unique one; it wasn't something to be ashamed about yet his heart went out to her for the many trials and tribulations that she had endured time and time again. The old saying of 'trials make the heart grow stronger' almost seemed somewhat trivial as either the mare did a stand up job at keeping the invisible invalids from appearing within her mentality and outward appearance or it was simply rubbish. Raiju himself was certain that the mare wielded a strong heart yet the weight of guilt, sadness and pain seemed to topple over her shoulds adorned with the feeling of having to carry the weight of the world all alone.
If only she knew that she wouldn't have to carry it alone, if only she realized that there was someone here now who would gladly take such a weight from her and carry it for her.
The stallion gave a gentle nod of his head as he took another step closer. "Yes, you can hope for spring but I'd imagine it would be a lot easier to know that there could be something that could help ease you through winter, hm? Why endure such a grueling season when you could have something to shield you from the bitter nights?" In a way he wasn't being quite clear and was giving a subtle and confusing intro to what he had intentionally wanted to make known although it seemed that he wasn't quite starting off on the wrong hoof, was he? Even he was starting to realize this.
"Forgive me- I'm blabbering on and not making much sense, I'm afraid," he apologized with a light hearted laugh. "Allow me to introduce myself; my name is Raiju, an Angeni although don't let the tail fool you- it seemed to be a loving reminder of why one should never go against the Gods without expecting a punishment." The stallion wiggled his tail if only for emphasis as he canted his head ever so slightly to the side and smiled. "Although its a bit serpent-like they did happen to add somewhat of a redeeming touch with a small pair of wings though I'm sure they were hoping for a more gruesome effect."
Raiju's front hooves shifted slightly as the thick, plush, fetlocks whisped about with the caress of the passing breeze. For a moment he was hoping that she'd withdraw herself from behind her barrier of white mane that shielded her face although it would seem that, maybe, the mare needed a bit more coaxing.
Although the only way he knew he could get her attention was also a good reason for her to simply run off and think of him as as horrible creature. But then again what few options did he have?
Not many.
His neck craned slightly as the necklaces secured around him clinked and jingled with a metallic ring as he pursed his lips curiosly. "I don't mean to be rude, miss, but if I'm not mistake you're Eponine aren't you? Daughter of Twilight and Cosette if I'm not mistaken- sister to Zevach and Marius?"
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Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 4:41 pm
The mare listened to what the stallion said; he was indeed of angeni blood but that didn't necessarily mean he was true to the path. He didn't have fangs or spikes or wicked horns (outside of the small gold one peaking out from his bangs) but that meant nothing. Eponine had always known that one could never judge a book by its cover. . . and the scared and timid pessimist within her knew that even the most beautiful could harbor the most wicked intentions.
Just cause he looked like an angel didn't mean a damn thing.
Then again, she also knew that judging one too severely so soon was also in bad taste. Blue eyes watched, masked by her mane, as he continued his slow approach. Her ears pricked as he spoke, a bit surprised by his words. How ironic he should speak to her of warmth in winter. . . . It was so many winters ago that she had discovered herself pregnant and Ezriel hadn't exactly been much of a shelter. Yes, he'd lifted the alleged burden of her son from her but that had caused more problems than she cared to admit. And now, in her maturity, she had come to see that neither Rue nor Cassiel were ever to be dubbed such a thing. . . .
Cass had changed her life and only for the better. It was her own selfishness that he caused her to see what joy she had missed out upon. "Th-th-th-there are many c-c-caves near the hills if you're searching f-f-for winter shelter," she added softly, not quite following the stallions choice of topic. But while it was casual conversation for him, to Eponine it brought up reminders of her past actions and woes.
Eponine's head lifted as Raiju introduced himself. She had understood him to be of angeni blood but certainly hadn't expected him to admit to falling! Concern rushed through her, causing her tail to sway in uncertainty. Surely he was no evil. . . and yet. . . what had he done to cause himself to be cast out? Surely the gods couldn't be so flippant to let one fall. They had cursed his body, though the mare couldn't help but find the wings upon his tail to be endearing, and yet he seemed. . . . okay with it.
Would a true monster act so casual and kind? Would a true evil harbor so much warmth and gentleness within their words?
Oh gods, she just didn't know!
Her confusion wasn't to last long, oh no. The mare heard her name, as well as her father and brothers and everything changed. Her head lifted in shock, blue eyes locking on to his own, and she swallowed uncertainly. If she hadn't better manners she would've been sure her mouth would have hung open! "How d-d-d-did. . . how did you know?" She gasped, unsure how to take such news. Her family was a small herd and not particularly notorious. . . . Zevach had a temper, surely, and his feud with Marius might have been legendary but. . . .
Honestly, how did he know?
"I mean. . . Yes, you're r-r-right," she added, quickly realizing she was staring and dropping her gaze once again. "F-f-forgive my alarm I j-j-just. . . . I've n-n-never seen you around. Are you a f-f-friend of my fathers or b-b-brothers?" It was the only logical explanation after all. Angeni or not he certainly couldn't be a mind reader!
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Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 11:57 pm
Silently the stallion seemed to watch her reaction as he had introduced himself. Knowing somewhat of her past he should have expected her to have some reaction to the tail that was in a slight way similar to the male of whom she had once believed was her first love. As her long, white tail swished in an uncertain manr the stallion pursed his lips. No, he couldn't judge her for having thoughts cross her mind about him. She still had no idea who he was except now she knew his name along with a minuet sliver of who he was or, perhaps, what he had done to recieve such a punishment. Rather than let her mind wander into whatever scenario would build up within her imagination, the Raiju chuckled.
"It was nothing serious, I assure you. My younger brother, Kidono, was wrongly accussed and sentenced to be cast out from heaven and stripped of his glory. Not wanting to see Kidono be cast out our other brother, Duzi, pleaded with the gods that a mistake had been made but, unfortunately, the gods did not listen and Duzi revolted. With the gods holding strict standards they not only thrusted Kidono out and stripped him of his lower wings but Duzi was cursed in a way; appearance changed to somethig like a shadow void, chains constricting him and gashes across his body for his 'rebellion'." Raiju shifted his wings to ruffle against his back while his eerie blue orbs settled with ease upon the mare. "Out of all of us it was Duzi that suffered the most while I semed to only escape with a change of a tail although from retreating from my position as a guardian I forfitted my own glory and well- here I am."
There was truly not muc else to speak of; the story seemed somewhat complex but it was easy to understand to many except for those who seemed to keep their heads in the clouds and think of the gods as just and might beings. Perhaps if others were exposed to the other side like Raiju and his brothers, along with countless other individuals, they would understand. Though, sadly, it was unlikely. The gods were powerful and did more than curses and gruesome transformations to get their point across; those heartlesss beasts often sucked the life and happines out of others. Yet even so there was always a way to beat them at their own games.
They may be gods but they sure as hell didn't know everything.
His ears perked upwards as the mare seemed to again react to what he said. Ah! So now curiosity of how he knew was nipping at her heels, wasn't it? Though wouldn't anyone be pinng to know how a strange individual knew their name as well as the name of their parents and brothers? Certainly. But then again there was a part of him that wanted to tell her just how he knew her and that, somehow, everything was going to be okay although even that seemed a bit too much. Raiju smiled a bit broad as he pursed his lips.
How to explain this one?
The stallion shook his head from side to side. "Ah, yes. I don't believe you could quite see me while I resided within the clouds," he chuckled. "Though its only recently I've made my debue down here within your world but to simplify the matter and your curiosity I belive the best way to explain it would be tha I am a guardian. If not to be more specific I am your guardian- or perhaps its best to say I was your guardian since I'll never be able to return back to my home."
It was a bit strange wasn't it? But Raiju was certain that more questions would be raised, no doubt. As he stood there his serpent-like tail flicked behind him while the weight shifted from his hooves. It was certainly a shock perhaps but the stallion remained in a casual, non-chalant and happy disposition.
"I know its a bit much to chew on but its the honest truth, Eponine. Though if there's anything I can do to help please let me know," he remarked with a nod of his head. "Though I may not be a guardian anymore perhaps I can be of some assistance?"
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Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2008 1:33 am
The mare listened quietly to the winged stallions story. The names were unfamiliar to her but she followed as best she were able; it amazed her to know that there were politics and drama even within the clouds. Blue eyes glanced up momentarily, as if accessing the heavens with a new understanding. Strange how the gods could be wrong, especially when it came to the judgment of one of their own! And to cast them out, to curse their forms. . . . why?
"I'm sorry th-th-things happened th-th-that way," she murmured, words sincere but soft-spoken. It wasn't fair that others should be treated in such a manner, for right or wrong, were all the gods so cold? Had none stood up for the trio? Bah. . . . How discouraging to know the hope of the world could be so cross.
Maybe it made sense why the lessons she had learned had been so hard. If the gods were so gung-ho to cast judgment and wrath upon their own angels, a silly mare like her must have been doomed from the start.
"Hopefully th-th-this world will t-t-treat you b-b-better," she added, a small sliver of hope entering her words. Optimism that had long been pushed aside flared ever so slightly. She was hesitant to express more hope because Eponine also understood how cruel other soquili and creatures could be. . . . It was no heaven, but at least it wasn't eternally hell.
It was a good thing Raiju was honest. Being an angeni would have been excuse enough for the stallion to know her family and her name; but it was with his admittance that he was her guardian that caused surprise to once again resurface. Her baby-blue eyes went wide once again, logic fighting a new hysteria and rejection that surfaced. He couldn't possibly be her guardian angel. . . . such a thing didn't exist. Her guardian had long since abandoned her after she had strayed so terribly. . . .
Or, if Raiju really were her guardian angel, maybe he'd been too busy dealing with his brothers. If he were her guardian he'd know everything she'd done, every mistake she'd made. . . and a sudden panic began to overwhelm the mare.
Oh gods. . . .
Her nose flushed pink and she quickly averted her gaze, unsure what to say or how to respond. He was lying. . . this was all some cruel joke wasn't it? Why did the world have to laugh at her so? Why did they have to put her in such scenarios? "Oh. . . w-w-w-well," she stammered, not entirely sure what to say. So he had been her guardian. . . .
"I'm s-s-sorry you had t-t-t-t-to. . . l-l-look after me," she decided it was the best way to approach the matter. He had to know her reasons without them being brought up; furthermore, this apology let him know he wasn't expected to continue any duties or feel any sort of obligation to speak to her or. . . whatever it was a fallen angel was to actually feel for their wards.
By the gods, where was Twilight when she needed him?
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 7:27 pm
If others simply realized the drama in politics and judgement above perhaps some would see that, above and below, no one was perfect. Granted that one could always stumble across an individual who believed that he or she were flawless but, in most cases, it was the eyes of another that could either catch the flaws or dare to ignore them.
Life was strange indeed, a concept that was so easily maluable and twisted that it seemed to becoming increasingly difficult to establish what was right and wrong. Although on the contrary, there were still blatant transgressions and socially distateful acts that would never be seen as a 'holy' virtue but it was evident that the worlds concepts and philosophy were ever changing much like the seasons. A slight grin stretched across the stallions maw, the corners rising upwards as a light chuckle rose from his chest. The twists and turns of life seemed endless but somewhere in that mess there was a purpose believe it or not, he silently mused. Whatever the gods would throw at an individual or curse they bestowed upon the broken seemed that, sooner or later, that the weak would be refined with strength and the gods would be heavily outnumbered by its own kin; those exiled and banished for mistakes.
Perhaps is it right for one to believe that, regardless, we are all born sinners. But if we are all born sinners and if we try to cleanse ourselves wouldn't it be a pointless task if we are to be condemend ruthlessly by those above? Raiju's mind had lodged itself out of the clouds long ago and rather than being one who simply believed in whatever he was told or what he was expected to say, it seemed that philosophical thinking was his backbone. Critical thinking and reasoning were his foundation and structure; it seemed the nonesense of the world made sense with philosophy. Although it was a tricky web to weave, it certainly did wonders at winning disputes.
The mutant gave a gentle shake of his head while plush, sweeping bangs wisped slightly and the golden crown atop his head remained in place. "There's no need to be sorry," he reassured. "It simply opened my eyes to the skeletons that seemed to be submerged within the cloudbanks above. If anything I'd much rather be cast out with my brethren and sentenced here then be a slave to 'justice'. It simply shows that the heavenly virtues have a price." Raiju swayed his tail slightly, the serpentine and near draconic tail twisting with ease as he settled it by his hooves. "There's no such thing as a free lunch, so they say."
Eponines kind words and kindling of optimisim made him smile just a bit wider as his pure, blue pools leveled with hers. "I'm positive this world will treat me much better. There's more to look forward to down here."
As silence seemed to surface while doubt and a twinge of panic riled up within the mare, Raiju canted his head ever so slightly. The world below seemed so vastly estranged from what a guardian was but, on the other hand, it would seem that the concept wasn't quite fully understood. Yes, Raiju was her guardian as well as a few other soqs within the land. Although it was impolite for names to be devulged the others were kept secret. There were many who lived below that needed someone to watch out for them and with so few angeni's it seemed that it was the only rightful thing to do. It wasn't that he was a 'do good-er' or a show off- moreso it was the fact that maybe he could at least protect a few from whatever the gods sick pleasures had in store for the innocent when bored. Save a few in hopes to bring some right in the world, that's what it was about. While his mind and thoughts were getting the better of him it was becoming more and more obvious that the mare was a bit more than flustered.
Who wouldn't be a bit embarassed or nervous with the thought that someone knew exactly what they had done? Raiju pursed his lips slightly.
"Your sins are yours- I know nothing of them. All I know and sense are the emotions and feelings that hang over you. There is a more powerful being that knows everything but I'm certain that I could never fit such a bill. I believe its safe to say that I am far from such a quota," he laughed. "Although I must admit that it seems the most painful thing which you've encountered still lingers. But again, I am no judge or authority to bring up your past but I can tell you that it will get better if you let it."
How he knew and, at the same time, didn't know was a complex subject as even Raiju couldn't adaquetly describe it. Feelings and emotions were something that could be easily sensed by word of mouth and body language but concerning 'sins' and mistakes- such things didn't concern him to know.
Somewhere inside of him he believed that ultimately the individual was suited well enough to account for what they had done or encountered; guilt was a powerful thing. Alongside such a concept was also rooted the belief that someone more powerful, perhaps all knowing, could make up the difference for ones lack of prestine, flawless, nature. The thought of others traversing through the world until their dying day and suffering eternal hellfire never settled well with him- but the thought of the determined tasting of paradise and rest seemed peaceful and something that he could stomach.
Once more, the stallion shook his head as a jovial expression curled upon his maw. "Please, there's no reason for you to apologize. You have done nothing and nor are you a burden to look after. I fear I am the one who should apologize; had I been there maybe I could have done a bit more to keep you happy or steer you in the right direction. I hope you can forgive me."
Still the lingering sensation of her panic and stammer seemed to be causing her a bit of uneeded anxiety. Ruffling his wings, Raiju gave a sincere dip of his head.
"If you need some time alone I'd be more than happy to let you- how do you say, mull over the information? I'm sure its a bit to take in all at once."
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Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 10:37 am
It truly was a difficult thing to fathom, at least for Eponine. She had always thought of herself as alone and very much a mistake and regret. She believed her parents were highly disappointed in her actions and the way she handled Cassiel, Ezriel and Rue had been terrible. Mind, with her son and the mutant she'd had little control over their actions - they had been in her life such a short amount of time she hardly remembered her sons scent or appearance. It hurt even more that he knew not who she was. . . .
And Cassiel had been such a great if terrible learning experience for her. Never had she expected to have to handle such darkness. Never had she expected her daughter to grow up bitted, jaded and so full of hate and rejection. It still broke her heart to think of her daughters final parting - such harsh words and anger and resentment she felt for Eponine. In fact, as far as the blue mare understood there was a slim chance she would ever see her daughter again. Cassiel had broken herself off from everyone and only she could force herself to return. . .
Such a foolish and young mare she had been. Such tragedy she had caused and how many lives had she ruined? Too many. Never did Eponine want to grow up so swiftly; never did she want to feel such tragedy again. The dreams and fluff of her youth had long since disappeared. . . . and sometimes Eponine wondered if that sunshine and light would ever surface again.
It was a bit of a relief when Raiju spoke of his ignorance. Part of the mare wondered if he truly meant what he said, but considering he was an angel, the mare couldn't fathom he'd lie. Mind, he was cursed but that didn't make him a deceiver. No, she felt that his words were true and her panic did dissipate.
But that didn't mean she was comfortable. Still half hiding behind her long, pale strands of hair, the mare took a breath. "Oh, p-please, you've n-nothing to apologize for either," she softly objected "You've your own l-l-life to look out for, so there is n-n-no blame or f-fault for your missing presence." Besides, what would have changed if he had been there? Eponine had fallen in a moments lust mistaken for love for the poor Ezriel; she had thought that by giving in to his fantasy she might have done him right but instead it . . . it did nothing but complicate everyone's life. With Raiju in the picture nothing would have changed as far as she understood.
"I . . . . I admit th-th-this is a little much to comprehend. It's n-n-not everyday I get t-t-to meet an angel, you know," she added with a very small smile. "I enjoy th-th-the company, you've been the first one I've met outside of my family in a l-l-long time. I . . I would m-much rather you stay. B-But I may need to return to my f-family soon. . ." She added with a small shrug and flick of her tail.
Even if he rocked her world there was something ridiculously comforting about Raiju. He was a breath of fresh air for the mare, even if she was terrified about what he knew of her past. Even if he confused her and if she felt weak and silly next to him he was the first companion she'd met in ages. It was nice to be social and the mare felt a smidgen like her old self again.
Maybe he could help her find that old spark she'd lost. . . . Maybe things really would be okay after all.
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Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 9:43 pm
It would be an understatement for anyone to even be able to say that having to fathom and chew on such unknown information was a simple task- it was something that was difficult and often, as result, seemed to jostle an individuals perception and even rationality pertaining to the world around them. If only to make it even more complex Raiju could only imagine that the undertaken of such new knowledge along with a bitter past was almost certain to make one near the point of feeling nauseated. Although there was little he could do to try to alleviate such feelings that whirled and stirred like restless swells within the mare, the stallion could only hope that his demeanor and the words he spoke could at least carry some effect. But even now it seemed the mare kept herself secluded, hidden behind a wall of white strands which left the Angeni to stand there and purse his lips thoughtfully. Apologize? She? No- it was Raiju who felt that he owed an apology to she! A small sigh escaped from the stallions nostrils while his ears flickered, pools of pure blue knitting with brows while he chuckled softly.
"I'm afraid it was my presence which lacked that seemed to have stirred this into a mess," his expression was solemn, apologetic while he swayed his head side to side gently a time or two. "You're too kind, Eponine. But the blame rests on my shoulders and I can assure you that such a thing will not ressurect itself." There wasn't a need to go deeper for fear that the mare would only become more upset, embarassed or even prone to running away and Raiju wanted none of the three to occure. The matter was complicated- perhaps moreso then he wished it to be yet he was certain that in time there would be an opportunity to at least explain the matter in a clear and concise way. But on the other hoof would it do any good? How could he be sure that if he told her what he knew or what could have been, should have been, and what he did wrong couldn't trigger any unwanted reaction or ill feelings? Perhaps he deserved it if his attempt to come to terms with the past did become sour or severe ties and friendships.
He had done his best, truthfully, yet still even his best felt as if it wasn't enough. Raiju couldn't protect his brothers and neither could he and Kaiya stay together and the thought of losing the mare he sincerely protected so devoutly was more than painful. It would be unbearable.
The stallion arched a brow upward ever so slightly as he was starting to get a slight feeling that this was becoming a little too much both for Eponine and himself. Feelings inside of him seemed to stir like the surface of the restless seas although his calm and composed demeanor did wonders at keeping such perception from slipping away from him. Raiju laughed softly at the comment of being remarked as an 'angel' while his serpent-like tail and small wings attached to his tail fluttered slightly. "I can't say that I'm much of an angel anymore in the eyes of the gods and their council but I hold that comment dear to my heart, truly, if that is what you see me as." Raiju- an angel? Perhaps although he wasn't like he use to be. His nature was still intended for good, for justice and for mercy yet his view on the world was something more realistic, a philosophical outlook where good and bad were weighed together rather than against each other. In the eyes of his kin he was seen as a rogue who broke and disregarded tradition and perhaps he was yet he was, simply, Raiju although more awakened and concious of the world in a newfound manner.
The first encounter between guardian and guarded seemed well but, for now, it seemed as if the quantity and lenght was sufficient. It was short but enough exposure on either side to realize and find a subtle acquaintance- a small meet and greet, if you will. Unfortunately Eponine was right; she did need to return to her family even if Raiju wished for more time, a few more minutes. The Angeni himself needed to find his brothers and tend to duties that fell outside of what a typical guardian would undertake as their own along with deeds that seemed far from holy. At her comment, he nodded. "You should go. I think mulling the information over and being able to sit on it for a did would do wonders for you and your mind. Although I wished our time was longer I do have a few things to take care of and feel I must adhere to what I've promised to do."
A small frown curled upon his maw but it only lasted a small moment before he walked closer toward the mare and leaned his head down just a bit so that his eyes were level with hers and his broad, warm smile visible. "I look forward very much to our next meeting, I do hope it will be soon."
Pulling his head up as his body began to pivot around and turn, Raiju gave a small wink before he turned away from her. There was nothing else to say and he had said what he had wanted to- he could only hope that their next in truly would be soon rathe than keep him on his hooves with anticipation. As a good distance was put between he and Eponine, the wings of the stallion suddenly snapped open and unfurled just as he craned his head and gave one last look toward the mare. Raiju only smiled, a grin stretching upon his maw before he looked foward for the final time and leap into a small gallop, just enough speed and motion as he suddenly leapt into the air while wings thrashed in the air. Hooves lost connection with the ground as the stallion was airborne and soared away.
When the next meeting would be he wasn't sure but he would know- it was that gut feeling, that 'perfect timing' that he seemed so keen on which would dictate when and where.
Alone amongst the mist and cirrus, scattered clouds, Raiju sighed.
"Time will tell..."
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